Semi-Truck Driver Charged After Shooting on I-55 in Jefferson County

Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A Florida man is facing multiple felony charges following a shooting between two semi-truck drivers Monday morning on Interstate 55 in Jefferson County.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, 46-year-old Michel Quintana-Betancourt of Miami has been charged with first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of armed criminal action after allegedly firing an AR-15 style rifle at another driver during a traffic confrontation. Authorities say the incident unfolded around 8:03 a.m. when the victim called 911 reporting he had been shot. Deputies arrived within minutes, requested emergency medical services, and took Quintana-Betancourt into custody without incident.

Investigators believe Quintana-Betancourt fired from inside the cab of his truck as both vehicles traveled northbound on I-55 between Pevely and Barnhart. The victim was struck once and taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Quintana-Betancourt is currently being held in the Jefferson County Jail without bond as the investigation continues.